Removal Procedure
- Set the parking brake.
- Block the rear wheels.
- Remove the stabilizer bar from the springs if equipped. Refer
to
Stabilizer Shaft Replacement
- Raise the frame until the front tires clear the floor.
- Support the axle using a jack. Raise the axle high enough in order
to allow the spring to clear the brackets when you remove the spring.
Notice: Do not use the front crossmember to support the vehicle or the crossmember
may buckle.
- Support
the frame using suitable safety stands.
- Remove the following components
from the lower mounting brackets (6):
- Push the shock absorbers into the fully retracted position.
- Remove the shock absorbers (5).
- Remove the insulator (3) and the washer (2) from the shock absorber
lower stem.
- Remove the nuts from the
front and rear eye bolts. Loosen the upper rear shackle bolt in order to allow
the hanger to pivot.
- Remove the nuts (5) the washers (6) and the U-bolts (1). Lower
the axle (4) far enough in order to relieve the tension on the spring.
- Remove the front eye bolt.
- Remove the rear eye bolt.
- Remove the following components from the vehicle:
• | The spring spacers (3). |
• | The U-bolt upper spacer (8). |
Installation Procedure
Important: Assemble all of the components and remove all of the jacks and lifting
devices before you tighten the suspension fasteners.
- Install the spring.
- Install the rear eye bolt and nut.
2.1. | Raise the axle (4) in order to support the spring. |
2.2. | Install the spring spacers (3) and the U-bolt spacer (8) on the
spring. |
2.3. | Align the spring center bolt to the axle. |
Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners
must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring
replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant
are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or
corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified.
These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage
the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when
installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
- Install the front
eye bolt and nut.
Tighten
Tighten the eye bolts to 330 N·m (243 lb ft).
- Install the U-bolts (1), the washers (6) and the nuts (5).
Tighten
Tighten the U-bolt nuts to 400 N·m (295 lb ft).
- Install the flat washer
(2) and the insulator (3) onto the shock absorber lower stem.
- Install the shock absorber (5) into the lower mounting bracket
(6).
- Install the following components:
7.2. | The flat washers (2) |
Tighten
Tighten the lower shock absorber nut to 84 N·m (62 lb ft).
- Remove the safety stands.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Install the stabilizer bar to the springs. Refer to
Stabilizer Shaft Replacement
.